Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Get to Know... Oktak

Meet Aki, the woman who designs and makes handmade bags, frame pouches and baby goods at Oktak and Oktakmini. I absolutely love her framed pouches and bought myself a medium sized one. If you haven't been to her shops yet, I highly recommend checking them out. She has also graciously agreed to finish my sentences and giveaway an item from her shop! Read on to learn more about her and how to enter to win.I am... a designer, crafter, businesswoman, wife & mom, displaced Tokyoite and an avid cat-lover.

I was... a typical "indoor" girl who loved all forms of art - painting, drawing, sewing, dancing, playing music. I remember being four years old and loving rainy days. I was mesmerized by the shapes of rain, and loved crafting as I listened to music.

I will be... focusing more and more on giving back as I grow older. What little I've achieved in life would amount to nothing if I did not give back to anyone.One of my favorite quotes (this is from the film, "Monsieur Ibrahim"): "What you give is yours forever, what you keep is lost forever".

I am motivated by... beautiful colors and fun designs, and the happiness they bring!

Many people don't know that... I've played the piano since I was four and am pretty good at it!

Most days, you can find me... at home, working on a new project with a cup of tea.

I'd like to learn... Japanese calligraphy, to dress myself properly in a kimono, and take up French again.

I have never... traveled to South America or Australia - those are the only 2 continents I've never set foot on. I'd love to visit some day!

If I won the lottery, I would... buy an apartment here in New York! (We've been looking for several years!) It doesn't have to be lavish, and I'd give the rest away to my favorite charities.

I'd like to thank the Academy for... recognizing my work! It truly feels wonderful to know that other people enjoy what I make as much I enjoy making them. It makes everything worthwhile. Thank you June!!Now for the giveaway!So a lucky reader will win a choice of a free mini or zipper pouch priced at $22 or less. To enter, just leave a comment to let me know your favorite item from her shop. You have until Nov. 23rd to enter, and please make sure you leave your name and contact info. If I can't contact you, you can't win. I will randomly pick and announce the winner on the 24th. Good luck!

For additional entries:1. Follow @oktak on twitter, and tell me that you did.2. Twitter about this giveaway. Please have @juneshindesigns in the tweet so I can track it.3. Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.4. Become a follower of my blog.

I love oktak's items and have many of them already. She's a lovely lady and I'm glad you interviewed her! I'd like to enter the giveaway too. I like "mini frame pouch - floral ribbon on blue and white stripes" thanks!

I love oktak's work so much! I already own 2 pieces from her and I've been recommending her store to everyone who comments on the pouch and clutch I own. My current favorite is the "large zipper pouch - lace and velvet on polka dots on mocha". Outside of the $22 range, I know, but adorable and its on my list of possible holiday gifts for my baby sister. :)

Great interview! I LOVE oktak's work! My favorite is.... that's so hard! It might be this one... http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28440515If it's under $22, I love this one. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34812220

I'm a proud owner of this pouch: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34698246 but would love to have another cutie, like this one http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34739243Thanks for this giveaway! :)

hi again! a correction of my first comment (November 19, 2009 5:18 AM) - forgot that its' meant to be a mini or a zipper pouch! my bad =/ so my favourite is the mini frame pouch - pink stripes on fuchsia http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23299153you should come to south africa! you'd love it =P